"Casting the eye upon the Old Town from this point, strange and romantic associations rush into the mind. There stand the walls whihc witnessed much of Scotland's ancient history. After the murder of James the First at Perth, it became, for the first time, the metropolis of the land, being considered a more secure resort for royalty than any of the provincial towns. But its troubles may be dated from this time. The Scottish nobility were noted for their turbulance and animosity to each other; hence numerous riots ensued. The differences between the sovereigns and the people likewise fomented strife and caused much bloodshed. In fact, from the time it became the capital until after the Rebellion of 1745, it cannot be said to have enjoyed either peace or prosperity. But though its inhabitants passed through such trials, resisting unto death the attempts of Prelacy and Popery, they have left behind them the memory of their noble deeds, in both their own names and their place of suffering."

Descriptive letterpress from the book 'Photographs of English and Scottish Scenery' by G W Wilson